2015 Honda Pilot: check engine light

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Engine · NC

On July 3, 2026 the check engine light, check VSA warning and check emissions warning indicators all illuminated simultaneously and the vehicle began to misfire and sputter which triggered an immediate slow down of traffic behind me. My local Honda dealership acknowledged a known defect with 2013 - 2015 Pilots in which the piston rings deteriorate leading to cylinder misfires. After system diagnostics they confirmed the spark plugs were damaged due to the piston rings defect causing engine misfires, rough idling, and slow minimal acceleration. This situation absolutely placed me, my family and others on the roadway at immediate risk due to the sudden nature of the engine malfunction. While there were no police report or insurance claims the Honda dealer did inspect and perform diagnostics on the vehicle. However American Honda declined any responsibility and refused to repair the vehicle even though this is a known issue with Honda. Prior to this date there were no warning or indication that the vehicle had any issues.

Filed May 11, 2026 · Transmission · GA

1. The engine assembly failed — Piston 1 suffered catastrophic failure due to VCM-related piston ring wear and oil sludge buildup, generating DTCs P0301–P0304 (engine misfire, cylinders 1–4). Vehicle is completely non-operational. Failed engine is available for inspection in Mableton, GA 30126. 2. Progressive engine misfire created risk of sudden power loss and loss of vehicle control at highway speeds. Complete engine failure in April 2026 left the vehicle fully immobile, posing an immediate collision risk to the driver and surrounding motorists. 3. Yes. In October 2025, I brought the vehicle to AutoNation Honda on Thornton Road, Georgia, presenting symptoms consistent with Honda Service Bulletin 25-060. The dealership examined the vehicle but took no action and offered no warranty coverage, despite SB 25-060 being fully active at that time. 4. Yes. AutoNation Honda (authorized Honda dealer) inspected the vehicle in October 2025 while Service Bulletin 25-060 was fully active. No repair was performed and Honda has denied all warranty claims. No police or insurance inspection has occurred. Vehicle remains unrepaired and available for the federal safety agency inspection. 5. Yes. The Check Engine Light illuminated with DTCs P0301–P0304 prior to failure, along with engine misfire, rough idle, and reduced performance. These symptoms were present at the October 2025 dealer visit. No corrective action was taken. The engine progressed to catastrophic Piston 1 failure in April 2026.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Engine · CA

While driving in traffic the vehicle suddenly began to sputter and lose power with check engine light flashing on the dash board. I was able to pull over and limp the car the one mile to my home on side streets. I parked the vehicle and called for a tow truck to tow the vehicle to my local dealership that I purchased the car from brand new. This is the third time this failure has occurred. The first occurrence was in October of 2023, the second was in November of 2024. The first two repairs were made at a local independent repair shop in the city of Orange ca. the first occurrence was cylinder 1 and the repair shop indicated that this is a common occurrence in this make and model. The report was a replacement of the spark plug and coil pack as oil was found to be in spark plug chamber. The second occurrence was similar but on a different spark plug (I believe number 2 or 3). This occurrence was diagnosed by the dealer and required a replacement of piston rings and major engine repair and oil in spark plug number 2 I believe. In July of 2025 American Honda sent me a notice in the mail of a known defect affecting this vehicle and offered a repair for this exact problem within an extended warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles whichever is first. This was my first reciept of such information from Honda. The extended warranty however was sent to me after the 10 year warranty was already expired as I has purchased the vehicle new in October of 2014. American Honda then had fine print at the bottom of the notice extending the extension to Jan. 31st 2026. 15 days later my vehicle experienced the acknowledged problem for the 3rd time. In July of 2025 I contacted my dealership and advised them of the letter I had received and asked for an inspection and or repair of the problem listed. The service advisor spoke with his service manager, and they refused to inspect and or repair the vehicle due to no warning light or symptoms occurring at that time.

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Engine · 120,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2015 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the error message instructed the driver to pull over immediately. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with piston ring failures. In addition, DTC: P0301 (Misfire in Cylinder #1) was displayed. The contact was informed that the piston rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Dec 16, 2024 · Engine · MN

We were on our way out of town in May 2022 when the car suddenly idled and wouldn't go past 35 mph. The spark plugs would constantly need replacement and we bought a connector which seemed to make them last longer, but eventually still burn out sooner than they should've. We've had diagnostics through friend mechanics and family and cylinder 2 was the main culprit. We took the car to honda recently and there is valve repairs that need to be done, to include all necessary gaskets, water pump and tensioner. There's also need to replace power steering pump, bushings and vtec spool valve. There were no prior indicators, the engine light suddenly came on when the car idled and riding on the highway at 35-40 mph was not very fun or safe. We've left the vehicle in the garage since the malfunction as is since we had other vehicles until we saved funds for the fix. We just didnt think it'd be this high of a cost and granted the car is only 98,800 miles in, i just dont understand how this all could be when my honda accord is 255k and still in good shape with no major fixes... Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Filed Nov 3, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

Engine would not accelerate/misfiring on highway nearly causing an accident certified mechanic replaced timing tensioner, timing belt and water pump also replaced variable timing tensioner, coil packs, spark plugs. Issue still persist with engine light coming on blinking clearing constantly also anti traction light. There are several other similar complaints is there a recall in process????

Filed Feb 10, 2021 · Engine · 118,854 miles · TX

Dear sir, I have had problem with engine light coming up along with shaking of my vehicle, this also turns on my traction light on my panel. This first happened in june 2019 in san antonio. I had warranty at the time. I took my car to hill country honda for evaluation, the told me it was just a coil and they would replace it. The exact same issue has happened again repeatedly. It happened again 6 months later after I left san antonio, I now live in houston. I have met with many mechanics, one master mechanic told me he was sure it a was a defective piston ring . Most mechanics have just been changing the coil and spark plugs. He told me this was waste of my money since it is not the real issue. Up on his recommendation, I sought a second opinion at at honda dealership since I felt it was strange for a piston ring needing to be changed. Without me saying anything descriptive about vehicle, they immediately told me, its the pistons, we can change them (6) for 4000. Did not tell me why or what caused this unusual defect. Upon researching I found honda pilots 2008-2013 models have same exact issue and were part of a recall to have them replaced. The same issue is happening to me. What is really unlawful is the honda dealership in san antonio knew about the defective pistons in honda pilots and instead issued a temporary fix. Can someone please advise. I desperately need help in fixing this defect, I still owe vehicle and have take a great financial toll on me and my family. Thank you.

Filed Jan 15, 2021 · Engine · 78,000 miles · CT

My check engine light came on and my mechanic informed me that cylinder 2 was misfiring. Mechanic mentioned that this was a problem with this style of pilot and he recommended taking it to a honda dealer. There was a warranty extension for 2009-2013 pilots to cover this problem so I don't understand why this extension wouldn't cover 2015 pilots since they are the same generation vehicle. I reached out via phone and email to at leat 4 honda indivduals and never heard back. Sounds like they dont want to call or email back since they know this is a problem. Local honda representative said honda would cover 70% but they should really cover 100% since its a know problem with this generation of vehicle.

Filed Jan 9, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 85,000 miles · CA

3rd time in 12 months that the check engine light begins flashing and the car begins to lose acceleration power and vibrates excessively. Recent issue happened while driving off of the freeway and at a stop light. The previous 2 occurrences it is determined to be an engine misfire. The last time oil spotted in spark plug indicating that the piston ring is faulty.